I wouldn't join any club that would have me as a member. So maybe I'll start one.

November 15, 2010 3:08 PM

What's currently the best plug-in (paid or free) for setting up/moderating a membership-based level to an already existing web site? I'm not a programmer, so preferably something that's relatively easy to set up, looks good to the eye, is easy to navigate and offers nice customizing options. I'm using Wordpress right now, so one that works with wp would be *most* awesome. Oh, and I'm on a Mac. Thanks!!! :)
posted by miss lynnster to computers & internet (6 answers total)

You should probably explain what you mean by "membership" a bit more.
Do you just want to require accounts/registration, or does this go further and you want to charge money? You didn't really indicate if this was just a personal thing or a business/client site.
posted by Su at 4:26 PM on November 15, 2010

What does 'setting up/moderating a membership-based level to an already existing web site' mean?
posted by signal at 5:50 PM on November 15, 2010

I am not a programmer but BuddyPress is probably what you are looking for:

Build a social network for your company, school, sports team or niche community all based on the power and flexibility of WordPress.

BuddyPress is completely free and open source. Unlike hosted services, BuddyPress allows you to stay in control of your site and create a totally customized, unique experience.

posted by bru at 7:04 PM on November 15, 2010 [1 favorite]

It's a business thing. I have an hyperlocal internet community of about 200,000 people who are Facebook fans of my city blog and I want to start offering some member-only content. I've seen things like magicmembers.com and wishlist and digital access pass and a bunch of stuff... I don't know anything about them or which are actually going to be easy to work with and good to use... I don't mind paying for a premium one if it pays off in other ways. I used a professional theme with my blog instead of a free theme because it was worth the money and I don't regret that for a second.

I've never heard of BuddyPress before. I'll have to take a look at it.
posted by miss lynnster at 9:50 PM on November 15, 2010

Sounds like you could just use the built-in WordPress membership features if you want to keep it simple. From your General Settings, check the box marked "anyone can register" and make sure "New user default role" is set to "Subscriber". Then you can use a plugin:

http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/members-only-menu-plugin/

or edit your theme files:

http://www.wprecipes.com/wordpress-shortcode-display-content-to-registered-users-only

to determine which bits of content are for members only.
posted by primer_dimer at 4:40 AM on November 16, 2010

I've only dabbled for an hour or two with BuddyPress, but a friend of mine who manages a number of WordPress sites recommends it.
posted by telophase at 12:50 PM on November 16, 2010